Preface: As we all know, the year of the horse, (aka the year of 2014) will be in the barn and rest for the archives. More like out the pasture. But before the ball drops on New Year’s Eve and making a box empty for 2015, I have once again decided to bring out the good, bad, ugly and the scratching my head thing for this year that has gone down. 2014 had a lot galloping like a Horse so many times around the track, but like every other year, it had it’s ups and downs. So with that being said in all, this is the list of 2014 that I think stood out. Call it the traditional Stephen’s Spot Annual Blog Review.

The Goods:

The Dow Industrial reached up to 18,000 points. Take that Obama haters!

Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity turned 100 years old.

Mo’ne Davis was making pitches.

The Tonight Show got an upgrade: First, Jay Leno retires after 22 years on the show, using the famous line that Johnny Carson did when he retired by saying “I bid you a heartfelt good night.” Plus giving props to the show as being hardworking employees, and also Union supporting folks! Jimmy Fallon is the host now, relocating the show to it’s origin of New York after 42 years. The opening sequences was done by Spike Lee (historical black first) and The Roots made history as being the first Hip Hop Band to be the official Tonight Show music orchestra.

And on the flip side, Seth Meyers took over Late Night.

From the 2014 Winter Games: Elena Meyers, Aja Evans, and Lauryn Williams winning silver and bronze in bobsledding and they are black.

Tamron Hall became the first black female co-host of the Today Show.

Attention NYOnAir: I like your work. I’m following you!

Shoutout to Outdoor Afro for getting Black folks to rexplore the outdoors!

Not a resident of Seattle, but their symphony had Sir Mix-A-Lot doing Posse on Broadway, and Baby Got Back along with their Orchestra.

The Affordable Care Act (or for some who call it Obamacare) is actually working. Ask those that know.

The WWE Network was and is a hit. Plus Sting is a new WWE Family Member.

One city raised the Minimum Wage like $15.00 per hour. Clever, Seattle!

WWE’s Wrestlemania turned 30 with Daniel Bryan becoming the champ. Many had to watch, I know.

The Wisconsin Badgers Football Alumni in the Superbowl like Russell Wilson, Montee Ball, and others represented well. And the Seahawks won their first ever Superbowl.

Those Honda Commercials with the Action Figures, though……

Misty Copeland is my new favorite black ballerina!

San Antonio Spurs won the NBA Championship.

In Baseball: It was the San Francisco Giants winning the World Series against the K.C. Royals.

Batman turned 75 years this year, and Gotham is a hit. Plus the 1989 Batman movie turned 25!

The Ghostbusters movie of 1984 turned 30, while Ghostbusters II hangs at 25!

The Milwaukee Bucks got a new phenom: Jabari Parker. Plus new owners.

Stone Cold Steve Austin has a Podcastone show called “The Steve Austin Show” which is good! Plus the interview with Vince McMahon was also a highlight! Plus good ol’ JR (Jim Ross) has The Ross Report on Podcastone.

SNL got two black women: Sasheer Zamata and Leslie Jones. And a black dude named Michael Che. And SNL is 40.

The Haves and the Have Nots and Scandal keeps rolling.

12 years of Slave is a hit at the Oscars. And Wisconsin Native John Ridley was part of that. Plus Lupita snagging up an Oscar!

DefJam turned 30. The “Original” Transformers and Voltron (you younger folks dont know that cartoon) also hanged 30 years as well. For all the younger reader who weren’t alive when Voltron came out in 1984, the stores do have DVD’s. Or youtube.

Packers: Aaron Rodgers had a banner year with the Packers along with Eddie Lacy, Randall Cobb, and the White Lighting that making DB’s miss: Jordy Nelson. Plus scoring those 50 plus points at Lambeau! (Twice) #Team94 was at work along bringing in Julius Peppers.

For the season:

Seattle – The home opener was tough as expected.

NY Jets – The team beat Geno Smith by a hair.

Detroit – Part 1 in the motor city that the Lions won, BUT Aaron told us Packer folks five letters: R-E-L-A-X!

Bears – Part 1 in Chicago 38 points was nothing to mess with in the 190th meeting.

Vikings – Part 1 at Lambeau, PLEASE! And Julius Peppers was the man that night with 42 points in all.

The troops came home from Afghanistan after a long war since 9/11. But we know that the struggle continues.

For the Tech side of things: Google Glass, Fitbit Watches came in.

One thing I’ll say about Diddy, or Puff Daddy, he really killed the Commencement Speech at Howard. Even though he dropped out 26 years earlier.

For the Video Games: Bayonetta 2 is a hit for the Wii U. And yes PS4 and Xbox had hitmakers as well.

Salt-N-Pepa and the Geico commercials. Just to think years ago, many thought M.C. Hammer sold out with those Taco Bell Commercials.

More black folks on TV: How to Get Away With Murder, Blackish, Red Band Society, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Sleepy Hollow, Z Nation.

NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio said the most powerful words this year: BLACK LIVES MATTER!

Prentice Powell. I wrote his name down when he was on Arsenio, and I was impressed.

In lieu of the retirements: Barbara Walters had hung up her interviews.

Well here in Wisconsin on the good side:

Kenosha gets the Amazon Distribution site up.

#ImSoMilwaukee was so cool to remember the days of no drama, fun, good jobs, and events in the city.

No Voter ID’s. Thanks to the Supreme Court.

The Milwaukee Streetcar is on the hot potato list again, plus the idea with the new structures coming soon to downtown. With job ideas!

It didn’t got positive coverage, but there was an activity called the “9th and Ring Thing” in Milwaukee.

Melvin Gordon was a force in the title for the Heisman Trophy. Even though he didn’t win, but he’ll be winning straps in the NFL.

Wisconsin Badgers Football were decent this year with Joel Stave/Tanner McEvoy doing the QB mix, Corey Clement running the game with Melvin, Vince Beigel, and the Defense getting their trenches on. Plus: Winning the Freedom Trophy, Heartland Trophy, and STILL Own Paul Bunyan’s Axe. Sorry Golden Gophers! And for those of Rutgers and Maryland fan bases: Welcome to the Big 10.

During the preliminary debates for the Governor’s chair, Mary Burke went on Black Milwaukee Radio more than once. Walker however had surrogates, but made no representation.

The Wisconsin Badgers owned the West! Both in Big 10 West Football and the West NCAA Basketball Championship. Plus the view of Frank Kaminisky. #OnWisconsin!

Shout out to Milwaukee DJ Dr. B for putting the jams on BEFORE the Packers games at Lambeau.

Three of my Milwaukee County Supervisors: Khalif Rainey, Marc Weddle, and David Bowen all stood up and busted out with the #ICantBreathe T-Shirts, while expressing their liberties of the Dontre Hamilton case.

MPS has a new boss: Dr. Darienne Driver.

Community Retirements: Eugene Kane has written his last column for the Journal Sentinel, but will continue to give viewpoints for the Social Media stuff.

Here was a good thing: To those of repping V100, Jammin 98.3, WNOV, and many others in the Black Milwaukee area of radio, even online. Keep it up! I’m listening!

The Mayfair Collection (part of Mayfair Mall) near US 45 is nice with Dick’s Sporting Goods, Old Navy, Nordstrom, and oh I should point out: a bakery.

One other thing: I am still blown away of the resurrection of Hot 102 online!

The Bad:

Racism struck again in 2014.

ISIS.

Columbus Short got fired from Scandal. Really, dude?

Jetliners disappearing. First the Malaysia flights and now AirAsia Airlines.

2014 was a high year of one of the worst stories to write and comment: Killing unarmed black men, while white police officers who did the job go free, EVEN after chokes being recorded on video.

Unarmed black women were targets also.

School Shootings in America that were in places that was not mentioned alot did occur.

If you got Sprint, you probably had a bad year.

Target and Home Depot got hacked.

2 NYPD officers were shot and killed while on duty.

VH1 debuted Sorority Sisters and got the NPHC Divine 9 folks upset.

When the new SNL cast member Leslie Jones made her debut, especially with her skit of the “slave joke”, folks (especially black folks) hated that, but Leslie fired back via Twitter.

True Blood ends on HBO after 7 Seasons. #StillTrueToTheEnd

Even though the Dow was getting high in 2014, the number of African-Americans unemployment remained high as well.

In Berkeley, Missouri: another shooting of an officer kills an unarmed black teen.

Adrian Peterson and Ray Rice got in hot water over spankings and domestic violence.

AG Eric Holder is stepping down. Plus I’ll say this, he isn’t a racist per say of going to Ferguson, and addressing the issues with the residents!

Blockbuster video: Rest in peace.

Wrestlemania 30 had the one match that I couldn’t watch: Brock Lesnar vs The Undertaker and the streak broken after 20+ years. Sorry, WWE.

Donald Sterling and his racist remarks. And V. Stiviano had issues.

CM Punk gets fired from the WWE.

Don Lemon is not a favorite anchorman. Hate to say it.

BET’s 106 & Park on Live TV: Rest in peace. (Even though it will be online)

2014 was a Midterm Election Year, and yes Scott Walker, Sheriff David Clarke and many in the republican side stayed base. Plus also nationwide, this midterm election was the lowest in the last 42 years. Sad!

Plagiarism: the only word that many felt Mary Burke lost.

The Milwaukee Bucks made one controversial move: fired Coach Larry Drew and in exchange for Jason Kidd.

In addition to the shootings: 3 young people under the age of 10 shot to death on a playground, in a house and on a relative’s porch! All in Milwaukee.

Who did I listen to in 2014? (Hint, no whack rappers, no Bieber mess, or boy bands):

Gary Clark, Jr. – If you haven’t heard this dude, he’s an Electric Blues player, and his Live CD does not dissapoint!

Kendrick Lamar – This dude woke up everybody in 2014!

Faith Evans – She had a new Album this year, Incomparable. Check either I Deserve It, or Good Time.

Jhene Aiko – The Pressure was a hit single.

Sam Smith’s song: “Stay With Me” was a hit this year on rotation. Any thoughts?

Charles Walker Band – Soul Deep was a good single, plus they are from the Mil!

The Ugly:

Really, James Woods? He blames Rev. Al Sharpton for the NYPD deaths. Please!

Hold up North Korea and Russia: You all put Obama on blast calling him a monkey and or flashing graphics of him with bananas in all. Seriously, racism is crossing international waters.

And those chairs though that was shown internationally on the MLK holiday. Those chairs that looked lifelike came out of Russia. Don’t tell me you forgot about that!

An Elk Lodge at an LAPD Retirement Party had Gary Fishell to rewrite the words of “Bad, Bad, Leroy Brown” to get on the bad side of Michael Brown. STUPID! This was a young black male died at the hands of the Police. Where is the conduct, LAPD?

Those MLK Holiday Ads that had his likeness in a negative fashion. Even twerking. You young Graphic Designers are too dumb to do this!

The Secret Service and the security of the White House. Come on y’all!

Fox News and the right wing media needs to shut up about Loretta Lynch and her affiliation with Delta Sigma Theta Sorority.

Bill Cosby: I haven’t posted any commentary about Bill and the stuff has been going on. But I’ll do it here. I think this whole thing about him being a rapist is just flat out ugly. Already he had lost connections to NBC, his Alumni Board of Temple University, his honorary distinction of being a Honorary Petty Officer of the U.S. Navy, and many others that has a public connection with Cosby over the years. Even various women from Janice Dickerson (seriously?!!!) to Beverly Johnson, and even former Cosby Show cast mate Lisa Bonet all coming out of the wood work blasting Bill Cosby of these past incidents (alleged) that these women claimed he molested or raped. I applaud his wife Camille and his youngest baby girl Evin for standing up for him in his darkest hour. I hope and pray, that Bill Cosby does not go out like Joe Paterno. Remember when Joe Paterno and Jerry Sandusky had all those past relations in secret in molesting college boys at Penn State and it stayed secret for so long? Paterno died. Sandusky is in jail. This is just something I just thought about. But knowing most so-called Americans they’ll believe anything anyway.

The Polar Vortex this past winter was no joke, and yes Rush Limbaugh fans, it was real. In the words of Al Roker: Stuff it!

Speaking of that: why do certain white right wing folks had to comment about Idris Elba in saying that he can’t play James Bond because he’s black? And what it up with the hate against a “Black Annie?”

Next time: Facebook group leaders or Admins has to warn folks about being deleted or removed, can that be in advance instead of without warning? (ie All About Sagittarius, The Fire: Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius)

I love my Facebook Sagittarius folks in all with the sexual beings stuff, but the sexual stuff can be toned down a bit you know! Really on Facebook! Some folks must be bored, not working, ain’t paying bills, etc.

While on the subject of Facebook, those of us who got our videos removed due to their copyright notices, this is ugly as crazy. Write complaint letters please.

Ugly things that the Badger Residents faced:

91: The amount of homicides that Milwaukee had in 2014.

Sheriff David Clarke: For all those in Wisconsin, mainly in Milwaukee County, and even in the black community, I must ask this question. Are you really happy with him right now? I ask this because he recently went on Fox News talking some smack about the ongoing Ferguson incident with the death of Michael Brown, President Obama and many other that the Republican party does not like overall. Keep in mind, this is a Black Democrat, appealing to the Republican Base. He even accused the President of widening the Racial Divide in the country. Oh stop it! If anyone is accused of racially dividing the country: it’s the bigots, the racists, the closet sellout negropeans, the mindless folks who doesn’t know squat. They are dividing the country. The same folks who “wanted their country back” per say. Those folks are the blame. NOT the President! So for all of you voters in Milwaukee that thought Clarke was cool per say, are you really satisfied with the vote you got? I say this to the supporters, activists, DJ’s in all. Think about it. And oh, he also blamed Al Sharpton for the Ferguson uproar and Eric Holder too. Go figure.

There might be rules for us Badger folks who are unemployment: start getting your urine samples ready!

I know this is ugly to swallow, but Milwaukee Police Chief Ed Flynn told the BLUNT truth about the killings in Milwaukee in which the targets mostly are African-American.

The case of the stolen Stradivarius caper in Milwaukee.

Has anyone been to a job fair and saw a fight? I did. And it was ugly at Milwaukee’s Potowanomi Hotel and Casino.

Speaking of the home city, and the guns: We had a cease fire weekend back in the spring, and more shots rang out. From 1 year olds, to 5 year olds, to preteens teens, and to grown folks. No fun!

Milwaukee Sanitation workers were robbed at gun point. No Kidding!

Speaking of ugly: As much as I like the Wisconsin Badgers Football Team, but that lost against of all teams Ohio State University was just that. UGLY! Getting beat 59-0.

Scratching my head this whole time:

Have the Negropeans ever got it yet of they shouldn’t being ashamed to be black? – Reference with all respect: Raven-Symone.

When employers have said about “we can’t find anyone.” In relation to new applicants on the map. Have they actually looked hard enough? Or they are just being lazy?

Can Dish Network EVER get TVOne?

Record players are making a comeback and how will today’s folks will tell their kids to “STOP MESSING WITH MY RECORDS?!!!” ( Hey Millennials, that’s old school talk!!!)

Should there be a rule when folks who were homegrown born in all, made good money elsewhere, and then when trying to comeback to their homecity with promotions or events (nothing wrong with that), SHOULD THEY NOT get an attitude of making folks to come out? I don’t care if you’re a Milwaukee born person, went to the south and made good money and comeback home to force folks to come out and support a cause not worth knowing. There are folks HERE in Milwaukee that are on the grind everyday that are trying to be the best possible to help out. Now you know why it is? Watch yourselves, promoters!

Note to the “fair weather folks” in all: Many leave cold places due to weather and complain. But doesn’t that equate those hating the hot places go to cold places?

With all due respect to T.I. and Pharrell: they are good promoters with their art. BUT………..Why are they having a hard time in dealing with the reality of race?

Ebola was in the news. Who was SERIOUSLY well prepared?

Gotta be kidding me: KKK wanted the black folks to join up?!

Has Jameis Winston learned his lesson from all that altercation mess at Florida State?

So North Korea blames Obama for all the hacking and Internet shutdowns twice. And they throw shade of him with racism?!!!

Boston: with all due respect on the real, some of your sports folks acted racist this year. Why was that again with a black Canadian Hockey Player?

What was the so-called hype about Iggy Azalea being the greatest female rapper of all time this year? She hasn’t prove nothing to me yet!

From Immigration Reform, to the new deal with the US/Cuba: did the Obama Crew played the cards well despite of the haterism?

Are those in the Mary Jane States (yes you know who you are) having a ball with legalization with Marijuana?

Is Richard Sherman still that thug that many thought after the outburst he did against Michael Crabtree? Or what?

I know some Packer fans had to ask about Olivia Munn. Wait a second, who is Olivia Munn?!!!!

When MTV had the VMA’s on, did they actually KNEW who Robin Williams was?!

Was that Michael Jackson hologram really that creepy of “Slave to the Rhythm?”

Will Selma be a hit in 2015?

With all the “crimes” in the cities, what’s up with the drug problems in the suburbs?!!!

Should Roland Martin do more shows of a Bill Maher, a Dr. Phil, and others who don’t hardly get African-Americans like him on their shows?

MASSIVE SOCIAL MEDIA CALLOUT: Can we PLEASE use the “You’re” word on Facebook correctly as well as other forms of Social Media? Like for example, “You’re It!” Not “Your it”. Or “If you don’t follow me on so and so, you’re not welcome here no more. Not “If you don’t follow me on so and so your not welcome here no more.” We need to respell and check our words, folks!

Really Sony? You didn’t like black actors like Denzel Washington? And you got hacked by the hacking nerds?!!

Can Facebook users please be polite and to kindly ask not to be so rude when game requests happen? (No need to be all dramatic and serious.)

Speaking of Facebook again: why do certain folks had to tell other folks to “stop getting smart” after a posting? Had that happen to me.

Was the phrase #ByeFelicia a new term saying you got kicked to the curb?

When William and Kate visited the U.S. (which was nice of them to visit) was it worth it with all the killings with the unarmed black folks being gunned down?

How will us Americans alike be with President Obama in his “4th Quarter” in 2015?

Is D’Angelo’s new joint a reminder of the 90’s? Besides Lady, Voodoo, Brown Sugar?

Speaking of President Obama again: when the issue of race comes up and many of us black folks feels that it’s killing us. So I ask: What do we want him to say?!!!!!

Are the protests of unarmed black men and unarmed black women being killed are getting attention in the cities nationwide, as well as worldwide? #HandsUpDontShoot #BlackLivesMatter #ICantBreathe

When the MTV VMA’s happened after Beyonce got the last award before the show closed out, (probably winning the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award) and when Jay Z said she was the greatest living entertainer per say, has he forgotten about Patti LaBelle, Janet Jackson, and other black female artists that were and are blowing up before Beyonce?! I’m just saying.

So LeBron James goes home to Cleveland. Are you Cavalier fans happy?

Callout: Who did the Ice Bucket Challenge? Admit it. And who really donated to the ALS after finding out what it really is?

Did everyone had a chance to view the videos of Chris Rock, Dave Chappelle, and the late Richard Pryor about being stopped by the Police and the beatings? (Hint, that was dug up this year after Michael Brown and Eric Garner died by the police)

Can the U.S. Mens Hockey team EVER get a black hockey player to help win the gold medal?

SHOUTOUT CALLOUT: For all my Sagittarius folks: was this year of the horse played the cards well, since part of our zodiac is a Centaur?

When folks had to dig up about certain challenges, or activities, and they tie that into slavery or bad incidents in black culture, WHERE ON EARTH IS THE MAIN SOURCE?!!

About that Fire Challenge: WHY?!!!!!!!!!

Who won the Gospel Challenge on Facebook?

Was Michael Sam really misunderstood as a player, or his gay lifestyle?

For those of us who go to Walmart in Milwaukee, what is up with the bootlegging folks? (All I hear: We got CD’s and Movies!) Nobody has no time buying something that has your digital camcorder or computer virus on it!

Going back to November, actually the first Saturday in November, when many were watching SNL, did those who watched ACTUALLY wanted to see Prince or Chris Rock?

Can we African-Americans ever have a massive Mid-Term/Local Voter Turnout like the Presidential ones?

Why was Ald. Joe Davis of Milwaukee had to comment that The Milwaukee Streetcar had to be immoral, or in this case, racist? Plus comparing it to the Dontre Hamilton death? Really I had to shake and scratch my head on that one.

Was The Interview really THAT controversial?!!!!!

When folks comment about “being apart of the human race”, have they realized that it was black folks that started the human race, per say?

Is Annie a hit for the younger folks and young at heart?

Why are some folks are saying that Gov. Scott Walker is the “face of Wisconsin?” Knowingly his “state of the state speech” this year made no references about Milwaukee? And having NO Minorities on stage with him when making that speech?

Do I need to go up to UW-Stout and address the student body about real effects of Racism? Especially what happened on campus involving a Menomonie man making racial stuff against a 19-year-old black student?

Has those who accused President Obama of everything like unarmed black folks getting killed had realized that he is not at fault?

Can we grown folks let Sasha and Malia be teens for once?

So the FLOTUS spoke in Kansas this year. What was that fuss again?

Oh, is the State of Wisconsin really serious about bringing the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino to Kenosha?

Booty is in! -Wait a minute, booty has always been in. Why is J-Lo and Iggy Azalea making it well known again, knowingly its been around since the first civilization of black people?

We all know that #AllLivesMatter, and #PoliceLivesMatter but why folks got to be against #BlackLivesMatter in a sense of being twisted and racist, which is not?

Is the hashtag #BringBackOurGirls still available to chant? Even after some of the girls were rescued?

Callout: When Milwaukee had no African World Festival this year, an Organization stepped in and put up a “Freedom Weekend” Event for three days back in August. Not a problem with that. But here is my question: Why would the owners or promoters trying to make those in Milwaukee to come out based on the comments and negative thoughts on Facebook in a negative fashion? Especially trying to make those to come to a press conference on a Friday Afternoon? Folks are at work!!!!! I’m sorry I didn’t go to the event.

Speaking of snakes: What is up with those who want to be eaten alive by an Anaconda?!!! Those snakes don’t play!

THIS JUST IN: Governor Walker just commented about the protests in Milwaukee. And to think he just called them the “HOOD PEOPLE.” SERIOUSLY?!!!! And this dude along with Sheriff Clarke’s idea of bringing in the National Guard if things got worse.

In Florida: An attraction called Machine Gun America is open. Really?!!!

Why was #MyBrothersKeeper was very concerned among black women who didn’t have a say so?

Flu Shots were in effect again. But why were they not effective enough knowing the preaching of getting one?

The theme of “breaking the Internet” was rated with Kim Kardashian showing off that you know what cover. But…….was it really that necessary?

Callout: Democrats, can you please get your git together and not lose your seats in a Midterm?!!!

That Aaliyah movie though. Why was it trainwrecked?

When a 26 year old black Milwaukee man raped a girl at 10 years old (which was recent and true), why do some had to bust out the mantra of #BlackLivesMatter on this? From both black folks and white folks via social media?

CALLOUT: Are Streetcars REALLY a so-called boondoggle, or scam just to segregate folks like High Speed Rail? Or is it just talk of starting mess of not getting things done or trying something new?

Why were and are certain folks had to “redline” job seeking folks because of their address on their resumes?

Will body cameras be an assist to the Police when crimes happen?

Has the attention of Dontre Hamilton reached the attention of everyone yet in Milwaukee, in America, and our International folks?

ATTENTION NPHC MEMBERS: With all due respect to the colors and letters you wear with your goals and objectives, can you please also get in the action of these protests of the unarmed black men and women who got gunned down? And Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity: word is that you had a hazing incident. Can you get your guys straight on that notion to clean it up?!!!!

Callout: Some folks had to bust out with the “Breathe Easy. Don’t break the law” slogan shirts like Milwaukee County Supervisor Deanna Alexander. Um, really?!!!!! Or should I say to comment: Was that really stupid of a public official to state her liberties or her inappropriate commentary on Twitter about a black man’s death?!!!! And she had to use the #AllLivesMatter #PoliceLivesMatter thing.

Can the Consumer Drones, or Parrot Drones, or Radio Shack drones, or DJI Drones be good money makers for jobs?

Will The TSU Social Universe be a new force for Social Media? In terms of paying the user of postings, etc?

Same as last year: Why can’t folks can’t be real with folks who are real? – church, the jobs, economic status, sex, etc?

Speaking of drones, why folks had to be all scared about those being filmed? Here is what I know, whenever you walk near a building or in a store, you will be on camera. And cameras are everywhere. So what’s the fuss?

And………Will 2015 be the G.O.A.T. (not just the animal)?

New feature this year: My own highlights of the year.

For this portion, 2014 was not too shabby this year for me. Outside of me blogging and fronting, and in addition to my community stuff, I was featured for a Hallelujah Moment for the Wisconsin Conference UMC for my church’s Love Is Part Two event in Milwaukee. In relation to the highlights in talking about domestic violence. It was a real eye opener event that both Women and Men must continue to talk about, even with the church! And also, on November 8th of this year, I was one of the local community folks in Milwaukee that was recognized by the Northwest Side Community Development Center as a 2014 Unsung Hero Award recipient. Yes, I am an UnSung Hero for my work with Photography and among other ties along with my ability in the Milwaukee area. So shout out to all of my Unsung Heroes in Milwaukee, as well as a shout out for all of the folks who do work and don’t hardly get recognized for any work that is hidden or not mentioned! Plus also my current Pastor and Church First Lady had about 14 years of their ministry that was presented. They were honored on December 7th in Milwaukee for their work and on a high note, their last day is December 31st, 2014.

For those who have read this blog like over 10,000 times with Tumblr – Thank you!

For those who have read this blog for support and shoutout for music and radio, – Thank you for reading. And as a token of appreciation, I have made a Stephen’s Spot Photography on Facebook, so feel free to check it out. Who knows, maybe in the near future I might do some photo spots perhaps?

As far as my Alumni Stuff: This is for the Marshall Eagles. Back in August, my Alumni 90’s folks was supposed to have an Eagles picnic to reconnect with those near and far no matter what year. Unfortunately, that was cancelled due to some dumb stupid rumors about gangs, drugs, amount of people and etc at Cooper Park. Note to the committee of Cooper Park, that was not forgotten! Your park is everyone’s park and it does not partake to you and you only! But on the good side, us Eagles partied anyway before Thanksgiving and had a ball downtown Milwaukee. Shoutout to Karma Bar and Grill for having us to meet up and party!

And as far as the UW-Stout Alumni is concerned: It’s been a while, but since the Alumni Board has a new regime with a new director of the Alumni leading the pack, (plus a new Management director and Chancellor) they have been to Milwaukee this year. And HOPEFULLY improvements will be in order for the next. I’m still interested in seeing more of the Blue Devil Alumni! #stoutpride

And now…..those who have passed on.

Robin Williams

Joan Rivers

Joe Cocker

Ariel Sharon

Mae Young

Jim Hellwig – AKA The Ultimate Warrior

Shirley Temple Black

Oscar de la Renta

James Brady

Harold Ramis

Mickey Rooney

Dr. Maya Angelou

Ruby Dee

Casey Kasem

Tommy Ramone

James Gardner

Henry Lee Jackson – Big Bank Hank of the Sugar Hill Gang

Eric Garner

Michael Brown, Jr.

Tamir Rice

Marion Berry

Thomas Eric Duncan

Phillip Seymour Hoffman

Ann B. Davis

Those who have died in battle, war or tragedy.

Nelson Frazier, Jr. (aka King Mabel, Viscera, first black WWF King of the Ring, Men on a Mission)

James Foley – Journalist that was beheaded by ISIS, and Marquette Alum.

Michael Hightower – Radio Personalty of Jammin’ 98.3.

Carl Zimmerman – Legendary Anchorman of WITI.

Laylah Peterson – 5 years old killed at her grandparents residence.

Bill Thao 1 year old killed at a relative’s residence.

Ken Kamau – 27 year teacher for the Milwaukee Public Schools, Soccer Coach, and a 2006 Milwaukee Marshall Alumni Faculty member of the Year.

One of my church members, Thurman Patton passed this year at age 96. He was a member of my church for numerous years, and was a U.S. Army veteran of WWII. His funeral back in July, at Milwaukee’s St. Mark’s AME Church was celebrated as he was the last twin brother to be memorialized. The final moments of his funeral was the Committal, in which the members of the United States Army Folded the flag into the triangle to be given to the family. Plus out of no where: a 21 gun salute was included with Taps. Also one of the men, who fired the guns came in and gave the bullets to the family as part of the service. This was a first time that I witnessed a Committal service in person for the final salute of the late Thurman Patton. I salute him for his service as well as those who have passed on of serving this country.

In closing: 2014 was one of those years that we walked through pain, fire and brimstone like the years past. But there were along the way, there were positives, and great stuff that happened. I ask again: Will 2015 be really, the GOAT? Start making room the records for future throwbacks!

So far, I’m glad that SNL got the message of getting more black folks on the sketch comedies.

I’m sure that many had a chance to view this. And I’m breaking American yet again when I say, I get it. For the 28 reasons skit from Saturday Night Live, I get it. Here’s the reason. Many feel that Black History Month is all about the achievements, and goals for us African-Decent Citizens. Not just African-Americans. However there are those on the outside looking in, who feels that “oh Black History Month is all about the blacks talking slavery!” Excuse me? And there are those who feel that the occasion is about making us black folks concerned and guess what that is coming from some black folk feeling this segregation from other folks of culture. For those who think that Black History Month is all about Slavery, there is no money in the mailbox and you just got punked. This also is a reminder that us black folks need to be engaged in our history more just getting those Air Jordans. Now I have nothing against Air Jordans, BUT if we can know the date of the shoes coming out, and many other things, WHY NOT that consistant reminder of who is Lonnie Johnson, or that yes a black woman was featured on a phonograph record back in the 1920’s was a historical moment? You don’t know? Research!

Oh by the way, this skit in my opinion proves a point. Now many think it’s a bit lazy. But after looking at it a couple times, part of that in a mindset sense, is the truth.

Since the tail end of 2013, the show was facing scrutiny about not having a black female cast-mate in the last 6 or 7 years. We know Maya Rudolph. But that not all we know. I remember Ellen Cleghorne from the 90’s. But by the time this week comes to an end there will be two words of taking down the notes: Sasheer Zamata.

Oh, and for you notebook writers, as usual write this name down:

Sasheer Zamata.

Got it?

I’ll say it again – SASHEER ZAMATA.

That her name, and comedic stuff is the game.

Now for those who are well think that this is just a easy thing, it’s not. Like I said earlier, SNL has been a void in the last 7 years or so without a black female castmate. And yes, we all heard what Kenan Thompson about SNL not looking hard enough for searching for a black female to do sketch comedy every week on a Saturday Night. But I think that skit that Kerry Washington did really let a fire lit under neath the cushion of the SNL Board of Directors per say and to get with the program. Granted that yes, SNL in it’s 38 years on the air has to maintain a fresh perspective of the change in time and eras. Just to think, that this weekend of that happened on a MLK Holiday Weekend.

So many might say, oh I’m using Martin Luther King Jr in this? Really? In a word, yes. It’s all about equality. It’s about fairness. I mean is this an opportunity country? I’m just saying. And on the flip side, there were some bold radical like and revolutionary moves that got this started up for Sasheer to get this spot on a longest running comedy series since 1975. Plus also, there were 3 writers that were hired and they were all African-American. Oh, I know that In Living Color has not approached that mark. Matter of fact it didn’t. Don’t get me wrong, ILC was a cool show. Men on Films in all!

Getting to the meat of all of this, I looked at the show and even though she was in a few skits, but to me she did pretty well. Even though, and black folks we know how we are when someone of our culture gets that one debut we tend to have this notion of like “Oh she should have more skits.” in a critical type fashion. And on that, I was reading some tweets on Twitter about that. Really?!!! One thing to remember that we can be our own worst enemy when things like this comes up! Remember Don’t Sleep on BET? Just a warning, African-Americans! Also remember, this is her first break.

So African-Americans: BE PATIENT! Sasheer’s time is here and let her new career grow not only with talent. But with a grace and gift that the Almighty has blessed her with. Not only that, give her a chance! If those feel she’s been “token”, really you don’t know what you’re talking about. And to the SNL, the cameras are on point!